Printable Area Between Rectangles Worksheet | Grade 6 Math

This worksheet provides focused practice for Grade 6 students on calculating the area between two rectangles. Through a series of three targeted problems, learners will reinforce their ability to find the area of composite figures by subtracting the area of a smaller rectangle from a larger one, a key geometric skill.

At a Glance

• Grade: 6 · Subject: Math
• Standard: CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.G.A.1 — Find area by decomposing polygons into other shapes.
• Skill Focus: Area between two rectangles
• Format: 2 pages · 3 problems · Answer key included · PDF
• Best For: Independent practice, homework, or formative assessment
• Time: 15–25 minutes

This resource is a single-page worksheet with three distinct problems. Each problem shows a diagram of two concentric rectangles with labeled dimensions. A complete answer key is included, detailing the step-by-step calculations for finding the area of both rectangles before determining the final shaded area.

Skill Progression

This worksheet follows a gradual release model.

• Guided Practice: The first problem uses simple, single-digit dimensions, allowing students to focus on the subtraction process.
• Supported Practice: The second problem increases complexity with a mix of single and double-digit dimensions.
• Independent Practice: The final problem challenges students with multi-digit dimensions, requiring them to apply the process independently with higher computational demand.

The structure mirrors the 'I Do, We Do, You Do' framework, making it effective for solidifying this skill.

Standards Alignment

This worksheet directly aligns with CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.G.A.1, where students find polygon areas by composing or decomposing shapes. This task addresses decomposition by calculating the area of a composite shape. Both standard codes can be copied directly into lesson plans, IEP goals, or district curriculum mapping tools.

How to Use It

Use this worksheet for independent practice after a lesson on composite shapes or as a homework assignment. For a quick formative check, observe if students struggle with the initial area calculations or the final subtraction step. The worksheet should take students approximately 15 to 25 minutes to complete.

Who It's For

Designed for Grade 6 students, this resource can serve as a review for Grade 7 or an extension for advanced Grade 5 learners. The clear visual layout supports students who benefit from spatial representations. It pairs well with an anchor chart that shows the formula: Area(outer) - Area(inner) = Area(shaded).

Effective mathematics instruction provides students with opportunities to apply procedural knowledge in varied contexts. This worksheet, aligned with standard CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.G.A.1, provides targeted practice on finding the area of composite figures, a foundational skill for advanced geometry. Research from Fisher & Frey (2014) emphasizes the importance of moving students from guided to independent practice, a structure embedded in this resource's design. By decomposing a complex shape into simpler rectangles, students engage in a problem-solving process that builds both procedural fluency and conceptual understanding. The task of calculating the area between two rectangles requires students to execute a multi-step algorithm, a critical thinking skill that, according to the RAND AIRS 2024 report, is a strong predictor of success in higher-level mathematics. This focused, standards-aligned exercise offers a reliable method for assessing student mastery of this specific geometric application.